Page 126 of Bloodlust

"But we can't, Zoe," I say in a low murmur. "He shot my father. He... He killed him. That changes everything. It changes everything."

The boardroom in the New York FBI field office is silent as Agent Conrad escorts me and Zoey inside. Pamela Scott, Hardeep Deol, Agent Cowry, and Agent Fitzgerald stare at us as we take a seat around the oval table. I glance at the empty chair beside Cowry, my pulse quickening with anticipation.

"Agent Malcolm will be joining us…" Cowry trails off, spinning toward the sliding glass doors. My heartbeat accelerates to a terrifying speed as Hayden steps inside the room. "Excellent. We're all here."

"Apologies," Hayden states, scanning the room. His gaze stops on me for a second too long, and I catch the worry in his eyes. He sits down, placing several folders on the table as he looks at Pamela. "Please begin."

"Right," Pamela clears her throat, opening a folder asshe addresses Zoey and me. "Miss Bianco, Miss Di Rossi, I'd like to first start off by extending my deepest condolences for the loss of Leonardo Di Rossi." She places a pen between her fingers, twirling it as she looks at Zoey, "The Bureau will provide any sort of counseling needed to?—"

"That won't be necessary," Zoey says with a tight-lipped smile. "I'm fine, Mrs. Scott, but thank you."

"Okay," she hums, glancing over at Hardeep. "Mr. Deol?"

Hardeep clears his throat. Jesus, are they all sick or something? A phlegm pandemic? "Miss Bianco," he begins. "In light of recent events—" his gaze flicks to Hayden momentarily, "—we believe that it is imperative to ensure your safety as our office prepares for trial. Both Wei Zhao and Malik Alba have been denied bail, however several members of Angeli Della Morte have been released pending trial.” He looks between Zoella and me. "I know we've discussed placing the two of you together in witness protection, however the Marshals Service strongly recommends a temporary separation. We've discussed this with Agent Cowry, and we might have a solution that would?—"

"No," Zoella states with an edge. "I'm not leaving Camilla."

"Let him finish, Zoe," I whisper.

"This is not what we agreed on." Zoey sinks back into her seat, crossing her arms as she glowers at the state lawyers. "But fine, go on."

Hardeep looks at Agent Cowry. "Perhaps you'd like to..."

"Of course," Cowry states, placing his forearms onthe table and leaning forward. "Miss Di Rossi, we understand that you wish to remain with Miss Bianco, however after talking to Agent Malcolm…" I whip my head toward Hayden, narrowing my eyes at him. He remains passive, stoic, and professional as he gives me a subtle nod.What did he do?"We believe that the FBI would benefit from someone with your skills and aptitude."

Zoey's forehead creases as she says, "My skills?"

"Miss Di Rossi." Agent Cowry quirks up a knowing brow. "Did you or did not manage to bypass the FBI's sophisticated firewall and tap into our internal systems?"

"I, uh?—"

"Those firewalls are impenetrable, Miss Di Rossi," Cowry muses. "Or at least, they're supposed to be."

"Well," Zoey hums, chewing on her bottom lip. "Nothing'sreallyever impenetrable, Agent Cowry." She presses her lips into a sheepish smile and shrugs. "And definitely notyoursystem." She pauses as Cowry's expression tightens. "Sorry."

"Yes, we've surmised as much," he states. "Which is why we'd like to recruit you."

Zoey blinks. "Recruit me?"

I can't conceal my grin as I find Hayden's brilliantly conniving eyes. A future. He's giving her a future.

"There's a program in Quantico we believe will help sharpen your skills," Cowry continues. "And upon successful completion, we would like to offer you a permanent position with the Bureau." He cocks his head. "What do you say, Miss Di Rossi?"

"You want me to work for the FBI?" Zoey asks,glancing at me. "I don't know..." She shakes her head. "I don't think that's?—"

"She'll do it," I state. "I think this is an excellent idea."

"Cami," Zoey whispers under her breath. "No... Who knows how long you'll be in witness protection. What if I can't see you for months?" Her eyes widen. "Or years!"

"We can FaceTime," I mumble back. "I'm sure you could figure it out."

"There will be no communication between witnesses," Agent Fitz pipes up, overhearing our conversation. "It's protocol."

I shoot daggers at him. "Of course, Agent Fitzgerald, we wouldn't dare think of breaking any more rules." I hold up two fingers. "Scout's honor."

"Miss Bianco," Cowry sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Agent Fitzgerald is correct. In order to protect both you and Miss Di Rossi, and help the DOJ, wemustplay by the rules, otherwise the defense will have grounds for a mistrial."

"Right," I swallow, using every ounce of my will to keep my gaze forward. Don't look at him. Don't. Fucking rules. "We'll do whatever is necessary, Agent Cowry."